Setting the Bar

As of late, we've been sipping our libations at some great bars, saloons and lounges. Being the sharer that I am, I thought I'd round up a collection of mini-reviews to help others new to the nightlife scene:

215 North Broadway
Santa Ana Arts District, CA
714-953-2660

This lounge offers a full service bar, a DJ wearing $250 jeans and a New Era cap who spins Justice and the like, and all of the asymetrical haircuts and asexual attire necessary to designate a hipster hot-spot. The surrounding area is increasingly becoming an urban playground for artists and young professionals alike. With ultra-trendy American Apparel, boho-chic Gypsy Den, and multiple avant-garde, fine-dining restaurants within walking distance; the artists village has lots more to offer. Ingenious drink specials are the specialty (and are listed on the website below) as well as several beers on tap and house drafts for a (semi) decent price. Personally, I recommend the Mai Tai, They're a good start (or finish) to forgetting... anything. And yes, It gets busy.

www.proofbar.com
Myspace
YELP!

___________________________________________________

700 E Bay Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92661

Located on the balboa peninsula, the Balboa Saloon is typically filled with locals. Drinks are exceptionally well priced, the same friendly bartender/co owner is always there. There's an Internet juke box, darts and two pool tables. The walls are plastered with sport fishing and historic balboa island memorabilia. There are many snackies offered including some staple oddities. Anyone for a pickled egg?

www.balboasaloon.com
YELP!

___________________________________________________

654 E 1st Street
Tustin, CA 92780
714-669-9818

This "grill" serves food during the day and until 9pm, but that's certainly not the reason to go. The karaoke scene at Pineapple Hill Grill gets started around nine or ten p.m. and is unusual to say the least. Drinks are well priced, the bartender will pretty much make you anything you'd like or can contrive at the moment. It's a great atmosphere with ample tables and booths. Pineapples dominate the decor in the form of lamps, chandeliers, upholstery, etc. Whether you're looking for a dive bar, or somewhere to belt out some tunes, go with friends... sing or don't. Pineapple Hill Grill is great for a laugh.

www.phgrill.com
YELP!

Parmesan Zucchini Pasta

6 cups small shape pasta (shell, farfalle, etc)

1 tbsp Margarine or Butter (melted)
1 tbsp Margarine or Butter
1 zucchini (cubed)
4 tbsp Italian bread crumbs
1/2 tsp garlic, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt
Pepper

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees.
Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil for pasta.
Add garlic to 1 tbsp melted butter. Coat zucchini in melted garlic butter.
Toss in bread crumbs and parmesan and spread evenly on non stick baking sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Cook pasta until desired doneness.
Coat pasta with butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with zucchini.

Can substitute Eggplant or squash for zucchini or any combo of the three.

Fiesta Chicken Tenders

Fiesta Chicken Tenders

6 Pieces of Chicken Tender Meat
2 Cups finely crushed Corn Tortilla Chips
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Melted Butter
1/4 Cup Flour (OK to sub Gluten Free flour substitute)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For prep, put each of tortillas chips, lemon juice, butter and flour on separate plates. Dip chicken first in lemon juice, then flour, then tortilla chips then butter. Place on baking sheet and drizzle with remaining butter. Bake at 350 for 25 min.

Top with Salsa, Mango Salsa, etc.

MONGOLIAN BBQ

This may be more of a philanthropic effort than a true restaurant review. If you grew up in south orange county, I'm sure you're familiar with the history behind the Laguna Hills Mall and the Mission Viejo Mall. During the Late 90s, the Mission Viejo Mall transformed from a ghost town into "the beautiful shops at Mission Viejo", while the  Laguna Hills Mall, still resembles something something straight out of the 70s. In the past few years, El Toro Rd EAST, and the city of Lake Forest has just undergone a huge revamp. Tucked back in a shopping center behind Fudrucker's, next door to Office Depot and Smart and Final is one of MY childhood favorite's Geghis Khan's Mongolian BBQ. They've been there for over twenty years, and are definitely struggling to keep up with the increasing rent prices due to all of the new development. However, they just did sign a 10-year lease and will be around until 2017. This place has been a favorite in my family for years; it's a small-time business, the owners are REAL people, they'll remember you if you're there frequently enough. Please go check it out, it's very special to me, and I promise you'll love the experience and the food.

Genghis Khan Monglian BBQ
 Have you ever been to a Mongolian BBQ in the mall? First of all, this is SO much better! Second of all, there are no noodles here, forget that. Let me walk you through what Mongolian BBQ is like at Genghis Khan. Personally, I think that it's the most fun to go with a large group, and sit in a big corner booth, (there are a few). The BBQ menu is fairly self explanatory ( see image below, copyright... thanks to someone from Yelp) There are choices A-F. All come with various sides, all include rice and pocket biscuits. Some include soup of the day, which is usually Hot and Sour (best I've had, egg drop is pretty good too!). Some include different combinations of Cream Cheese Crab Wontons, Tempura Shrimp and Mini Egg Rolls. One letter is a veggie option and one is chicken, also an all you can eat option. All others are self-serve Beef, Lamb, or Pork. Soup is served first with crispy noodles.

The BBQ bar is self serve, whenever you're ready. First, bowls, next frozen meat shavings, (chicken option is actually brought to the table steamed bc of salmonella scare) topped with lots of veggies (options usually include: green bell peppers, celery, chinese parsley, water chestnuts, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, bean sprouts, and  tomatoes). Next there are a 3 formulas of sauce mixtures spicy, medium and mild to follow, combining a variety of sauces to be poured over the stir-fry like mixture. The bowl then gets passed through a tiny window to a BBQ chef, who mans a VERY hot circular grill (he's been there since I was in elementary school!) He whips up the mixture, and with the flip of a stick, piles it all into a new, clean, bowl.

Back at the table, side dishes are waiting. Most people like to rip open the top, and fill their pocket-like biscuits (they aren't biscuit-y for anyone who hasn't had them... more like a very thin tortilla or pita bread) with the BBQ mixture and eat like a sandwich. This place is absolutely delicious, you must try it if you haven't. I'll admit, the decor is dated! Cute Koi-like fountain in front. But the food is to die for. They also have a great chinese food menu, if that's what you're in the mood for. (This is great for take-out in my opinion)

Let us know what you think!

Here is a couple of external reviews:
YELP!
SPORQ
23615 El Toro RdSte PLake Forest, CA 92630(949) 951-8296

The Coop To Do?

Orange County, California.



   A stand-alone sentence. Our county has in a way, become a mecca of an American sub-culture which has received more publicity than Britney Spears on a bad day in recent years. Now, be it scrutinizing or glamorizing, our coastlines and unequivocal affluence has brought the public's eye to our front door... Or at least to the back door of our beachfront home in South Laguna.

   We felt called to share the more esoteric qualities and in our opinion, the best kept secrets about our locale. So as we explore, discover and drive around in my little cooper:

We thought we'd bestow upon you where to go, what to do on the way, and what to do when you get there. Welcome to The Coop To Do.

VICTORIA BEACH

Victoria Beach is located in South Laguna/ Laguna Beach. 

Directions: Best to park on PCH and walk down Victoria Steet or Nyes Place to get to the beach. Signs will lead you down the steps to public beach access.

During the off-season months the beach isn't too crowded especially if you head north up onto the rocks toward the old lighthouse, tide pools and ruins (old tower?) Very cool exploring opportunity. Sometimes there are locals sipping on wine... fishermen, surfers, etc. Good tide pools further north.